Inside Out Champagne Glasses

These glasses are the perfect way to start off the New Year with family and friends! Add interest to any gathering with these inside out champagne glasses!

A Classic Christmas

Today is Christmas Day, and I have been thinking about Christmas's gone by. I've put together a playlist of holiday songs that remind me of christmas of yester-year. So , enjoy family today and make every moment count!

1. Mele Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby

2. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! - Ella Fitzgerald
3. Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry and The Pinafores
4. Santa Claus is Comin' To Town - Perry Como
5. Mistletoe and Holly- Frank Sinatra
6. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland
8. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree- Brenda Lee
9. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Connie Francis

10. Christmas Time is Here - Vince Guaraldi Trio

Creative Home Made Gift Tags

Follow the Better Homes and Gardens link to see tons of creative gift tags! What a great way to add a personal touch to your gorgeous packages!
Better Homes and Gardens has alot of creative ways to decorate and wrap for the holidays! Check it out!

The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs

My new favorite holiday CD!The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs is an album with a lovely soothing blend of female singer-songwriters, crooning s all into the holiday spirit of relaxation. Although there are a few quite upbeat tracks, Fiona Apple and KT Tunstall spin updated versions of "Frosty The Snowman" and "Sleigh Ride" that are sure to get ANYONE into the Christmas spirit!
This CD would make a great last minute stocking stuffer!


Sarah Barielles and Ingrid Michaelson performing "Winter Song" ( so beautiful! )


1. Winter Song- Sarah Barielles and Ingrid Michaelson
2. The Heartache Can't Wait-Brandi Carlile
3. All My Bells Are Ringing- Lenka
4. Sleigh Ride- KT Tunstall
5. Silver Bells- Alice Smith
6. Frosty The Snowman- Fiona Apple
7. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Holly Conlan
8. Maybe Next Year ( x-mas song ) - Meiko
9. White Christmas- Katy Perry
10. Mistletoe- Colbie Calliat
11. Silent Night- Priscilla Ahn
12. Winter Wonderland- Katie Havnevik
13. The Christmas Song- Catherine Feeny
14. Auld Lang Syne ( artist medley )

Cocktail Garnish Tricks

There is a more clever way to garnish your festive cocktails than to place a lemon wedge on the rim. Try a few of these tricks to spice up those same-old party drinks! The second picture shows a lovely cucumber bloom, this is MUCH EASIER than you may think. Simply cut the tips of the cucumber (each cucumber with yield two garnishes)above the actual "meat" of the vegetable creating petal-like rounded edges, after you have removed the tip from the vegetable,there are two options, you can either make a small slit in the bottom and place it on the rim of the glass or just float the "bloom" in you festive cocktail.

To create the garnish in the bottom photo: cut a green or red apple (red apple with a red cherry would be festive for a Christmas party) on the side at 1/4 inch thickness, (you should be able to get about 4 garnishes out of 1 apple)place these slices in a bowl filled with lemon-lime soda to keep them from turning brown.After you have completed slicing all of the apples, take each slice individually and make a small round cut into the "meat"(leave the peel in tact) just large enough to hold a maricino cherry. All that is left after you have made your round cuts into the apples is to place a cherry in each, cut a very small slit in the bottom and place on the rim.

Candy Cane Martini

Try this super easy cocktail recipe for your holiday party this year!

ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka (your choice)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint schnapps

Directions:
Shake all ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed candy cane OR garnish with a miniature candy cane!

Peacock Inspired Holiday by Hostess with the Mostess

The Hostess With The Mostess is Jennifer Sbranti, party planner to the stars! I love her blog and read it religiously!(hostessblog.com) She has created this wonderful peacock styled holiday get-together. I love the way she uses common Christmas items and affordable ornaments in an unexpected and innovative fashion. She is my inspiration and obsession!....Here's to getting you hooked too!

What's Not To Love About Audrey Hepburn?

"That's So Audrey!" ....This is a phrase frequently used by fashion designers, or those who just generally love fashion when they see anything that has a classic yet unique style. Audrey Hepburn is referred to by many as the most beloved actress of all time. She had such poise and elegance, not to mention charm. She was loved by everyone she worked with (excluding Humphrey Bogart, whom Audrey placed opposite in "Sabrina")in movies, or in theater. Audrey Hepburn is most commonly recognized as her character Holly Golightly in "Breakfast At Tiffany's. This movie, as well as the inspiration provided by Ms. Hepburn's portrayal of a call girl in this movie has served as inspiration for countless parties. Many people plan bridal showers, birthday parties, and even their weddings around this iconic movie, and even more iconic actress.There are many other Audrey Hepburn movies to love: Sabrina, Funny Face ( I LOVE this one!)and Roman Holiday are all splendid. Pick up a copy of one of these classic movies today! Enjoy!

Cookie Dough Gift Bundles

This Christmas you could..send out Christmas cards that everyone just throws away, or buy a rediculously overpriced pre-packaged gift basket, or the ever popular ...bake cookies. I love the idea of baking someone their favorite type of cookie and give it as a gift around the holidays (it's personal , and it doesn't break the bank) but I have noticed that if I recieve cookies ( or other baked goods) from too many people, they tend to get stale before I can eat them all. NEW IDEA! This year give them cookie dough! Whip up your grandmother's famous chocolate chip cookie recipe and package the cookie dough log in parchment paper with a strip of scrapbooking paper wrapped around the center, and secure ends with ribbon. All you do from this point is include cooking instructions and Voila! Now your loved ones can bienge on their favorites whenever they choose!